Spring Training Open Thread

We’ve gotten some sporadic threads going over the first week of ST, but nothing has really taken off.  I’m putting this up now, and will be adding any news/updates to the comments as they pop up.  It’s going to be a relatively quiet spring, I’d expect, and I’m heading to Phoenix for a few games in a couple of week (so if anyone is going to be there, let me know).

Here’s how I see the roster today, feel free to comment, laugh, etc:

LOCKS:
Hitters (10) - Rizzo, Bryant, Zobrist, Russell, Heyward, Schwarber, Baez, Jay, Contreras, Montero
Pitchers (11) - Lester, Arrieta, Hendricks, Lackey, Anderson, Montgomery, Davis, Rondon, Strop, Grimm, Uehara

MOST LIKELY, BUT…
Edwards: Only because I believe he still has options.  I have to think he’s as close of a lock as possible, and he has the least chance of not being on the roster of anyone in this group. 
Almora: Everyone talks as if he’ll be splitting time with Jay in CF, but we’ve mentioned a couple of times in these threads that it wouldn’t be crazy if he started in AAA.  I think he’d have to have a disastrous spring, but weirder things have happened.  Remember, he didn’t come up for good until after the rosters expanded in September. 

LAST 2 SPOTS:
LaStella: I think he has the inside track, as the Cubs only have 5 guys that can play the IF right now, and both Zobrist and Bryant can play the OF.  He wasn’t great as a PH, but is a good hitter and can play multiple positions.  However, he does have another option, and in a roster crunch where the Cubs don’t want to lose someone, he could get squeezed.
Szczur: Out of options.  If Almora makes the team, I really don’t see how he fits unless the Cubs went with a smaller bullpen.  If Almora has a bad spring, then he’s on.
Duensing: I probably should put him in the next grouping up, but he really isn’t that good.  Cubs are quick to cut bait with guys not named Clayton Richard when they just aren’t cutting it. 
Zastryzny: If the Cubs stick with a 6 man rotation for an extended period and Duensing bombs out, he’d be the lefty in the pen.  I know that isn’t a huge concern since there are other guys who can get lefties out.  Likely rides the AAA shuttle and makes the trip back and forth several times this season.
Pena: Probably the other guy on the AAA shuttle.

LONG SHOTS:
Butler, Mills: Both of these guys are in the same boat.  I expect them to be in the AAA rotation, but have a shot as a replacement or spot starter if needed.  In case of an injury, they could move up a group earlier than expected.
Kawasaki: I guess as another SS, he could fill the 25th man spot.  A bunch else would have to happen for them to get down to him though.